Thursday, April 18, 2013

Really Random Thursday, 4/18/13

This week has had some tough moments and my heart goes out to all those hurting, physically and emotionally, after the marathon in Boston. My first thought was of our CPA who does the tax work for Mark's fused glass business. Joanna has qualified the last several years to run. One of the newspaper articles stated that the bombs were scheduled to go off about four hours after the start, to cause the most devastation. Our local newspaper listed the times of all the runners from here in the valley, and Joanna's time was listed at 4:00:23. Fortunately, by the time I read that, her husband had emailed that she was okay.

So it almost seems frivolous to write about something random, after something so intentional. But maybe "random" can be a good thing.

We decided to make a little area in the front of our house where we can sit and relax in the evenings.

Before:
After (it still looks a little blah--it definitely needs some big flowerpots), but we have already spent some enjoyable time sitting out here:

Last week we attended Charlotte's school open house. We are so proud of this little girl--so smart, kind, and, yes, totally cute.
This is what Grandpa was doing with the boys while we looked at Charlotte's school work. I'm thankful that all three just love books.

A couple of nights later we got to spend the evening with them--ice cream and books--it doesn't get much better.
Heading to a store near you:
This issue has lots of great projects. If you haven't seen this specialty magazine yet, you really need to check it out (I think it's available this coming Tuesday). It's published by Interweave Press who also publishes Quilting Arts.

Here's what they have to say about this issue:
"Featuring contemporary projects of every type, Modern Patchwork is chock-full of fabulous gift ideas, a variety of quilt designs, exciting home-décor projects, items to enhance your cooking and dining experiences, plus totes and bags of all sorts! The quilts range from beginner to intermediate level, and include all types of piecing and patchwork. Clear step-by step instructions are provided for each project, with clear illustrations and step-by-step photography."
The exciting thing is that I submitted a pillow, it was accepted for publication and it is in this magazine!! Here it is in all its selvage-y goodness, although interestingly, the magazine people used the British spelling--selvedge. But who cares? I'm so excited to have it published! All of the selvages are flower-related (if you click on the photo you should be able to see them more clearly).
This was the first time I did a zipper closure for a pillow.
But that's not all!

My excitement kept building when I saw that the pillow was pictured in the Table of Contents (upper right corner).
I had quickly paged through the magazine, and so I didn't notice this until later when I read the letter from the editor:
This has encouraged me to think about submitting other projects, maybe even a quilt. The hardest part is waiting to see if it is accepted, and then waiting (for months) before you are able to share it with anyone!

Bonus: Anne Deister (SpringLeaf Studios), one of the Mid-Century Modern bee members, is on the COVER!! She made that very cool room divider/wall hanging out of circles.

I'll end with this. Certain family members (and you know who you are) probably wonder why I keep starting new projects when they are patiently waiting for their quilt to be completed have given up even asking me...

Your turn.



29 comments:

05 08
Lucy | Charm About You said... #

Congratulations!! That is wonderful news and a beautiful selvedge cushion :)
The last picture made me laugh, my husband keeps saying that to me!
I'm glad your friend is safe. xx

Susan said... #

Yes, the last one made me laugh out loud too! Your selvedge cushion is lovely and I love that Anne is also featured! I feel very privileged to be in a bee with two such talented ladies! The events in both Boston (intentional) and Waco (accidental) have been very distressing....some randomness is welcome.

Kerstin said... #

I agree that sometime randomness is welcome to take the mind of horrible things that make us feel small, hurt, sad and angry. I'm glad your friend is fine. And congrats on this beautiful project!

Debbie said... #

Awesome features! And I love your new sitting space!

Angela Bullard said... #

Congrats! I'm not sure I'm ready to submit anything for publication, but when I am how do you know who to send it to and how to go about it? Would love any advice you could provide!

CitricSugar said... #

I'm not surprised they published your pillow - it's fab. :-)

Also, as a Canadian, I tend to lean towards the British spelling for just about everything with the exception of those words that in Canada, have a Quebecois edge to them. So I prefer to sit near the centre of the sofa in our home theatre (or is that cinema?) to hand-quilt any colourful selvedges…

Carla said... #

I love your pillow! Hexies and selvedges. Perfect ; )

Carla said... #

I wish we could get that magazine up here, but I've not seen it yet. I'll have to ask at our book store

Needled Mom said... #

Your pillow is fabulous and I am so glad that it made the magazine.

That is wonderful news about your friend's wife. My heart breaks for all those impacted by the horrific bombing.

Amy Friend said... #

Congratulations on the pillow! I'm so glad that your friend was ok. It's a scary time here in Boston, well, the world.

Mama Pea said... #

I haven't even been able to bring up Boston on my blog.

I love your pillow! Wow! How cool! That magazine looks awesome. I will look at it. I just love what you do with selvages. I think it's amazing the way you can work within a theme. You have a LOT of selvages, I would guess.

Hugs!

Stephanie said... #

I love that magazine and will definitely have to pick it up - what a great pillow idea! :) We need sewing and beautiful things to distract us from the craziness of today's world - thanks for doing your share of it!! xoxo

Doris said... #

Your pillow is splendid, how cool to use hexagons and flower-related text! Congrats...

Katy Cameron said... #

This was a great week to embrace your family I think.

Congrats on the mag, and as for the spelling, it was our language first, it's not our fault you can't spell ;o)

LIttle Penguin Quilts said... #

Congratulations on your pillow! I'll have to find that magazine. I hope you enjoy your new outdoor sitting area! That is one of our favorite things to in the summer. Maybe summer will come to our part of the world one of these days!

Janine @ Rainbow Hare said... #

I'm glad your friend was ok. The bombing was terrible and it must have been a terrible shock for all of you who knew people there. And congrats on your pillow being published (I especially didn't say cushion!) It really is beautiful. I hope you have some nice whether to sit outside in. The picture of the quilting card made me smile.

Mrs Flying Blind... said... #

Oh my goodness that was a close call for your accountant!
I definitely think those chairs need some cushions/pillows! And Congratulations; why isn't it 'selvedge' everywhere? Surely, it's the 'edge' not the 'age' of the fabric! xxx

Carla said... #

Great post, Cindy! Congrats on the selvage project making it into a magazine!!

Terriaw said... #

congrats on your pillow project in that magazine. Bet that was fun to see your name in print.

Little Miss Shabby said... #

Congratulations Cindy!--It is fabulous!

Andrea said... #

Congratulations, Cindy! Fantastic - it's such a great project, and you are the queen of selvedges :-) I love seeing men read with children. It's so so so important for boys to have male reading role models!

pcquilter said... #

Way to go Cindy! We just left Pat and Carl who are headed home. I'll look for the magazine when we get home in 10 days. I've been collecting salvages now fora while so will have something to work with.

Cynthia Brunz Designs said... #

Cindy, that is fantastic! It is a wonderful pillow...Congrats!

Cathy said... #

Congrts on your pillow! Your frnt area looks lovely. Flowers will finish t nicely!

ChristaQuilts said... #

Congrats on getting your pillow published - that's wonderful!

artsycraftsyivy said... #

Congrats--I absolutely love your pillow! Selvedges and hexies--what could be more perfect? :)

Unknown said... #

Congrats on the magazine!!

Vicki said... #

What pride you must feel. Thank you so much for sharing the mag with us on Wednesday. You are a true inspiration!

Lori Jane said... #

I've been reading a few of your posts and have been inspired to start saving selvedges(I mourn the loss of the ones I've thrown away over the past 20 years).Congratulations on the pillow in the magazine! QUESTION ~ Where did you get you quilt labels from? I want to order some for my quilts (with my name,of course). Thanks!